Join our Community
Support ToI and remove all ads
Learn more
×

political appointments

The arrivals hall at Ben Gurion International Airport on August 20, 2026, during a shutdown. (Avshalom Sassoni/ Flash90)
August 24, 2026, 6:17 am
Airport chaos shows Israel’s public sector collapsing under the weight of political cronyism
The bedlam at Ben Gurion was not a sudden failure, but the inevitable result of a system hollowed out by nepotism, sham tenders, and political loyalists. And the rot extends across public service
By Eran Hildesheim
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara attend a state memorial ceremony at Mount Herzl military cemetery in Jerusalem, April 21, 2026, during Memorial Day. (Dor Pazuelo/Flash90)
June 4, 2026, 11:19 am
Sara Netanyahu took part in interview of PM’s military secretary candidate — reports
Sources says premier was not present for PM’s wife’s conversation with Brig. Gen. Guy Markizeno, and that it was ‘not just small talk’
By ToI Staff
Shmuel Abramzon, chief economist at the Finance Ministry, Sept 10, 2023. (Courtesy)
September 10, 2023, 4:03 pm
Shmuel Abramzon to be appointed new chief economist at the Treasury
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich selects civil service veteran, subject to government approval
By Sharon Wrobel
Yaron Felus. (Courtesy/Survey of Israel)
April 18, 2023, 7:26 pm
After controversy, Yaron Felus chosen as next chief of Central Bureau of Statistics
Felus, 55, was selected unanimously among 13 candidates by a committee after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly sought to appoint a confidant to head the organization
By Sharon Wrobel
Amir Peretz seen during a press conference in Tel Aviv on March 12, 2020. (Tomer Neuberg/Flash90)
November 28, 2021, 3:14 pm
Cabinet okays Amir Peretz as IAI board chair over objections of vetting panel
Committee members questioned former Labor leader due to lack of experience, ties to defense minister, but ministers ignore their position; Labor, Meretz ministers abstain
By ToI Staff
Then-Yesh Atid MK Ronen Hoffman, Israel's next ambassador to Canada, during a committee meeting in the Knesset, May 30, 2013. (Miriam Alster/Flash90)
July 19, 2021, 3:13 pm
Lapid taps ex-party MK for long-vacant Canada ambassador post
Ronen Hoffman, currently university lecturer, tapped for Ottawa post empty since January 2020; minister working on filling Paris and Canberra spots too
By Lazar Berman
Then-education minister Naftali Bennett (L) and Yesh Atid chairman Yair Lapid during a ceremony at Netiv Ha'avot, at the West Bank's Elazar settlement, on July 23, 2017. (Gershon Elinson/Flash90)
June 24, 2021, 5:05 pm
Lapid works to fill long-vacant posts of ambassador to France, Canada, Australia
Key diplomatic positions were left empty by last government, some for over a year
By Lazar Berman
Illustrative: Russian police guard outside the Israeli embassy in Moscow, on September 18, 2018. (AFP/Vasily Maximov)
November 26, 2019, 3:12 pm
Moscow embassy may go months without envoy, as PM keeps post in back pocket
Netanyahu said to refuse to name career diplomat as ambassador in favor of political appointee, likely leaving position vacant until new government formed
By Raphael Ahren
Israeli kids plant trees for the Jewish holiday of Tu Bishvat, in Haifa, on February 9, 2017, in a KKL-JNF forest. (Yossi Zeliger/Flash90)
January 13, 2019, 9:54 pm
Accusing leader of cronyism, ministry report urges century-old KKL be dismantled
With branches abroad already frustrated by Israel mothership, Justice Ministry investigator alleges mismanagement at top of legendary multi-billion dollar organization
By Sue Surkes
Israel's Transporation Minister Yisrael Katz, center, stands with Netivei Israel CEO Shai Baras, later arrested for cronyism, as they inspect the construction of a new highway between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, on June 12, 2013. (Flash 90)
November 23, 2017, 5:40 am
Plum jobs for political cronies no longer easy pickings, says ex-regulator
4 years after reform governing who can run state-owned firms, ministers can’t use top posts to cozy up to special interest groups, says Ori Yogev. But will it stick?
By Marissa Newman
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (third from right) presides over the weekly cabinet meeting at the PM's office in Jerusalem, October 15, 2017. (Alex Kolomoisky/POOL)
October 15, 2017, 4:21 pm
Cabinet approves controversial expansion of political appointments
Directors of large ministries will receive the right to appoint deputies in move that backers say will aid good government
By Sue Surkes
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to members of the Christian press at the Israel museum in Jerusalem on October 15, 2017. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)
October 15, 2017, 2:08 pm
PM to Christian journalists: World leaders must stop Iran ‘devouring’ Mideast
Netanyahu praises Trump’s ‘courageous’ speech on Iran which he says is trying to establish regional base in Syria
By Raoul Wootliff
Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked (R), Tourism Minister Yariv Levin (L) and Likud Knesset Member Amir Ohana (C) attend a committee meeting at the Knesset in Jerusalem on July 26, 2017. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)
October 1, 2017, 6:10 pm
Knesset delays vote on increasing political appointments
Proposal drafted by 2 right-wing Mks would let ministers appoint an extra official of their choice in government offices with 150-plus employees
By Sue Surkes
Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked (R), Tourism Minister Yariv Levin (L) and Likud Knesset Member Amir Ohana (C) attend a committee meeting at the Knesset in Jerusalem on July 26, 2017. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)
September 19, 2017, 7:04 pm
Civil Service Commission backs extension of political appointments
Acting commission head Udi Prawer, the sole dissenter, urges that 22 ministerial deputy directors be appointed by search committee instead
By Sue Surkes
Opposition leader Isaac Herzog (Zionist Union) at the Labor Party conference in Tel Aviv, December 11, 2016. (Tomer Neuberg/Flash90)
December 12, 2016, 5:05 pm
Opposition blasts Netanyahu’s bid to appoint officials without tenders
Herzog says PM‘s endorsement of American approach to civil service appointments would open door to cronyism, nepotism
By Raoul Wootliff
Load More

Sign in or Join The Times of Israel Community

Sign in or Register

Paying ToI Community members are invited to comment on articles
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Or Continue with
By joining you agree to the terms and conditions
Register to continue
Or Continue with
Log in to continue
Sign in or Join The Times of Israel Community
Sign in or Register
Only ToI Community members can comment below articles
Forgot your password? / Send me a login link
Or Continue with
check your email
Check your email
We sent an email to you at .
It has a link that will sign you in.
Join The Times of Israel Community
Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Confirm Mail
Thank you! Now check your email
You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.
Back to top
Never miss breaking news on Israel
Get notifications to stay updated
You're subscribed
image
Register for free
and continue reading
Registering allows you to manage your newsletters and alerts and helps us improve your experience. It takes just a few seconds.
Already registered? Enter your email to sign in.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Or Continue with
By registering you agree to the terms and conditions. Once registered, you’ll receive our Daily Edition email for free.
Register to continue
Or Continue with
Log in to continue
Sign in or Register
I forgot my password / Send me a sign in link
Or Continue with
check your email
Check your email
We sent an email to you at .
It has a link that will sign you in.